Support Groups

We know that cancer care is much more than just your treatment. At West Cancer Center, you have access to comprehensive and individualized wellness and support resources from diagnosis all the way through survivorship.

We know that cancer care is much more than just your treatment. At West Cancer Center, you have access to comprehensive and individualized wellness and support resources from diagnosis all the way through survivorship.

People diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones are faced with many challenges that leave them feeling overwhelmed, afraid, and alone. They may find it difficult to talk about their feelings, even to family and friends. Where can they turn? Perhaps a cancer support group is the answer. A support group can provide a safe place to express thoughts, feelings, and fears with others also coping with cancer.

Prayer Shawl & Knitting Groups

To knitters who aren’t familiar with prayer shawl knitting, it may seem that a shawl is just a shawl. But there is actually a difference between knitting and giving a shawl and knitting and giving a prayer shawl. Mostly, it’s about intention.

Knitters who are knitting prayer shawls will tell you it’s a different process than simply knitting a garment. It all starts with the intention of the knitter to infuse healing, good thoughts and prayers of protection into the shawl. Prayer shawls are typically prayed over through their process of creation and are also blessed when they are finished before being given to the recipient. This can be done either in a formal ceremony if the shawl is being given by a group affiliated with a church, or the individual who made the shawl may pray over it before giving it away.

Knit & Crochet Group: Wings volunteers invite you to join them in the Wings Resource Room. Bring your ongoing knit and crochet projects and /or learn to make chemo caps, prayer shawls and afghans. We will provide some yard and needles at no cost to you.

Prayer Circle

Mind, body, and spirit are so intimately connected that when illness strikes, the whole person is affected. Hippocrates taught that many factors contribute to the health or ill-health of a human being and that all areas of the patient’s life should be considered during treatment. Even more ancient holistic healing traditions in China and India date back over 5,000 years. Through prayer and meditation, Wings Prayer Circle, led by lay and ordained persons, is designed to be an ecumenical time of sharing joys and concerns in community and to aid in strengthening the spirit, calming the emotions, enhancing the enjoyment of each day, and thus assisting in physical healing.

Holy Communion

Holy Communion is held on the first Wednesday of each month at our Wolf River location. Patients can also request Communion if they would like to partake during their scheduling visits at our clinics. To schedule your individual time, please contact our Chaplain, Makeba Garrison at 901.683.0055 ext. 61087.

Faith in the Face of Cancer

Only someone who’s been there can REALLY relate to what you are experiencing. Your doctor and medical team are providing for you the best possible physical care, but what about your spiritual/emotional life? Do you have a circle of friends who can truly identify with you on this cancer journey?

Faith in the Face of Cancer (FFC) is a monthly support group for men and women touched by cancer. This includes those in active treatment, those who’ve completed treatment, and that special someone who is walking alongside a person diagnosed with cancer. No one should walk this journey alone. With the FFC Prayer Support Group, you will find the spiritual and emotional support you need to keep moving forward. Strength for the journey, the power of shared experience, and laughter for the soul – you’ll find this and more.

This non-denominational, faith-based group is centered around teaching materials from the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). Each session will include a video segment and/or a brief devotional time, discussions, laughter, and prayer. Refreshments will be provided. There is no charge.

*Location is subject to change. Please be sure to RSVP before attending.

SPACE IS LIMITED. Email Makeba Garrison or call 901.683.0055 x61087 to make a reservation.

West Cancer Center Caregiver Support Group

3rd Wednesday of each month
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Patients aren’t the only ones who face the challenge of a cancer diagnosis. Caregivers need support, too. Please join us as we tackle topics that are relevant to those of us struggling with our loved one’s illness.

June 15, 2016: Me, a caregiver? What do I do now?July 20, 2016: Keeping Yourself HealthyAugust 17, 2016: Financial & Work Stress